Various devices can greatly facilitate the use of water procedures for elderly and sick people, among which the simplest is a bath seat. Many healthy people with unlimited capabilities also prefer to use seats - sitting comfortably, you can steam your feet in warm water for colds or relieve tension from tired feet by lowering them into cool water. On sale you can see various devices for convenient placement in the bathtub, but you should choose them taking into account the future method of use.
Purpose of seats for water procedures
A bathtub seat for elderly people and people who have lost the ability to move freely on their own or who simply want to ensure safety when taking water procedures creates comfortable conditions for taking water procedures. Such devices are convenient for baths and when bathing children; they will not interfere with pregnant women either.
Designers and technologists of enterprises producing children's household goods have created many types of seats and slides that can diversify and protect the process of children taking a bath at home and in sanatoriums. A properly selected bath seat can provide enjoyment for babies, making the work of parents much easier.
Wooden bath seat
Seat, stool, bath chair
If an elderly person can stand, but it is difficult to maintain this position for a long time, or he is afraid of falling or losing his balance, it is necessary to install a special seat in the bathtub so that he can wash himself while sitting. If a person can hold his back, it is quite enough to purchase a stool, but if there are any problems with his back, then it is better to purchase a chair with a back. These devices will greatly facilitate the use of water procedures for sick and elderly people.
Purpose and materials
The choice in favor of a specific type of bath equipment should be taken into account the category of users for whom they will be intended:
- adults with special physical needs;
- children.
Each type has significant differences, in accordance with the purpose and quality of manufacturing materials.
Bath seats for the disabled and elderly, especially those suffering from diseases that limit freedom of movement, are usually purely functional, without frills or decoration. For ease of use, such devices are equipped with handrails that you can hold on to when using the bathroom, as well as reliable fastenings with anti-slip devices.
Seat for people with disabilities
Seats for children differ significantly from ordinary ones and are divided into special categories.
The materials for making seats are:
- tree;
- plastic;
- metal and alloys in the form of tubular structures that enhance the strength of products (mainly for adults).
How to choose and care for it?
Many will decide that the more expensive the seat, the better. Of course, the price can tell you a lot, but in addition to the cost, you should pay attention to:
- Purpose of purchase. Should I choose a universal seat or one specifically for a specific family member?
- General appearance of the seat. Design and convenience should go well together. It happens that a manufacturer sacrifices reliability and safety in favor of a beautiful appearance.
- The quality and strength of the material and accompanying metal pipes.
- Bath seat dimensions. It is wise to first measure the dimensions of the bathtub and compare it with the purchase. Sliding wooden seats are available, but they tend to be higher in price. It is worth thinking about where to store the seat. If it is of decent size, but the size of the room is small, then a new problem will arise, where to place it if it is not needed.
Wooden seats
This type of product is highly durable and is most preferable for adults with disabilities. The wooden bathtub seat has familiar, comfortable ergonomic parameters. To strengthen the structure, a metal base is used, to which wooden planks are attached, equipped with plastic elements for ease of use.
Wooden seat for the elderly
Selection rules
The wide range of bathroom bars and chairs can make choosing difficult, so it is necessary to consider some practical tips for purchasing the product:
- The most important criterion is the correspondence of the dimensions of the chair relative to the sides and bottom of the installed plumbing.
- The fastening system plays an important role. The comfort and safety of the user depends on its reliability. Especially if this is a person with disabilities.
- Reliable design is the next requirement. The most suitable is a wooden board for a bathroom with a metal frame. The plastic model is considered the weakest.
- The appearance of the accessory can play a decisive role. Design for children and minors with disabilities is especially important. They should feel comfortable and get maximum pleasure from hygiene procedures.
- If there is a need to purchase additional accessories, it is better that they are included in the kit.
Plastic seats
Cast products made from special plastic materials can withstand light weight, so they are intended for young children. A plastic bath seat, made from special high-strength types of plastic, is much more durable and can also be used for adults, but the price is significantly higher than its wooden counterparts.
Plastic products in the bathroom have a long service life - they are resistant to corrosion, high humidity and temperature fluctuations. Companies producing products for children, such as Flipper Evolution, Happy baby or Baby Care, also took care of the original design with numerous additional accessories that attract the attention of children. Bright colors, all kinds of play compositions, swivel seats will undoubtedly appeal to kids.
Which bath seat to choose?
Types of child seats
Children's bathtubs and seats for them are characterized by a high degree of comfort - their shape fully corresponds to the size and anatomical configuration of the body. A children's bathtub with a seat built into a plastic structure is also available, making it easier to use. At the same time, children's slides and devices placed in large bathtubs, where children can play in the bathing seat, are widely used.
Bath seat for small children
Children's bath seats have become common in bathrooms:
- The universal children's bath chair is equipped with suction cups for attaching it to the walls, and, additionally, with legs on which it can stand stably, resting on the bottom of the bath. After finishing bathing, you can reinstall it and start drying your baby. The seat folds easily and can be folded and hidden on a shelf in a wall cabinet.
- Standard. Bathing chair, installed and secured using four powerful suction cups on the sides of the bathtub, equipped with a special safety belt to protect the child from falling. In combination with toys, decorated with drawings, the child will definitely like the chair and will make the bathing process easier for parents.
- The rotating bathtub seat comes with suction cups that can support the baby's weight. When bathing, parents can rotate the chair 360°, making the process easier and providing the child with additional entertainment. If necessary, the rotating device can be fixed in a certain position.
- A hanging seat with a high back is not firmly attached to the sides of the bathtub, there is a possibility of the supports slipping, so this type of seat is not recommended for children who are too mobile.
Bath slides
A special type of children's seats are bath slides, which significantly diversify children's water procedures, creating the opportunity to play in the water for some time allocated for this by parents.
Bath seat for small children
There are four options for bath slides on the bathroom accessories market:
- A frame slide is an inexpensive metal frame-base on which dense fabric is stretched. This slide design does not fully ensure the safe placement of the child due to the lack of attachment to the bathtub.
- A plastic anatomical slide is a comfortable seat for a small child, with supports for the legs and under the arms. It has a convenient attachment to the walls of the bathtub using suction cups.
- A hammock slide, stretched in the bathtub and secured with hooks to the sides of the bathtub, is well suited for bathing the smallest - newborn babies.
- The support mattress is suitable for bathing small children under 1 year of age, weighing 3-8 kg. The shape of the mattress is convenient for water procedures, preventing the baby from slipping off the surface.
A bath slide is a convenient device for bathing small children, greatly facilitating the procedure, ensuring safety and a pleasant time in the water for small bathers. Ergonomic shape, pleasant design with bright colors, easy storage - unlike ordinary and familiar baby baths.
Types of bath chairs for the elderly
The bath seat is available in several types. The manufacturer creates a design according to certain criteria, so you need to choose the model that suits you.
Read material on the topic: Nails of older people: age-related changes and methods of care
The devices are intended for the following population groups:
- old people;
- little children;
- pregnant women;
- disabled people.
Each design has its own purpose and is made of different materials suitable for a particular case. The devices allow you to sit comfortably and dive into the water to the required depth.
Bath seats are made of high quality plastic, wood and metal.
- Plastic products are popular. They are made of cast construction, are durable, resistant to temperature changes, are not exposed to water and are easy to clean. Please note: if a person is overweight, it is necessary to purchase a reinforced version. Also, plastic becomes slippery when wet. The pensioner may trip and get injured.
- Tree. Products made from this material are reliable and durable. They have a metal base with wooden strips attached to it, equipped with plastic elements. The disadvantage of such structures is their appearance: with prolonged contact with water, the wood darkens.
- Metal. The metal bath chair for elderly people is the most durable and stable product designed for adults. Its base is made of metal, and a wooden or plastic bench is attached to it.
Bath seats are distinguished by the method of fastening and installation:
- The folding model is an option with rubber feet with suction cups at the end. With their help, the structure is securely fixed in the bathroom. After completing the water procedures, the stool can be easily reinstalled. This model is easy to store and transport.
- Rotating mechanism. Possibly the most comfortable bathroom chair for seniors you can buy. The swivel design is securely attached to the sides, and the mechanism allows you to rotate the seat 360°. In order to turn the chair in the desired direction, you do not need anyone’s help; you can do it with one hand.
- Height adjustable seats are some of the most sought after seats on the market. Elderly or disabled people can independently control the height of the product by adjusting the rubber feet equipped with rubber nozzles. You can submerge your entire body in the bath or submerge just your legs for a steamy soak. These designs have a comfortable backrest and durable handles. They make it possible to sit not only in the bathroom, but also outside its edges, while the seat is attached to the floor with its legs.
- Models with electric drive. If the word “electric” scares you, don’t worry – the mechanisms are 100% waterproof. They help you effortlessly, with one click, dive into the water. The high price is the only drawback of such models.
